Matt White quits Today Tonight

Presenter Matt White has quit Today Tonight, further fuelling speculation the public affairs show is to be replaced in 2013.

“That is my last ever show in the TT chair,” he told viewers. “After a great four years, watch this space in 2013.”

“It’s time for me to take on other challenges at Seven and continue pursuing my number one love – live television,” he later said in a statement.

“I’ve always prided myself on being versatile, and hosting Today Tonight allowed me to see a different side of television under the spotlight of 6.30. It’s been a lot of fun, a lot of hard work and I have worked with a terrific and dedicated team. Bring on the V8 Supercars this weekend, and then a holiday. Then, it’s time to play somewhere else – so watch this space.”

Seven’s Head of News and Public Affairs Peter Meakin, who announced his own retirement this week, said: “Matt has done a wonderful job on Today Tonight. He is a charming and unflappable host and one of the best live performers in the country, as he proved with Chris Bath in our coverage of the royal wedding. He is equally at home in sport, news or public affairs and he’s as decent a bloke as he is versatile.”

Tim Worner, CEO of the Seven Network, added: “Matt has done an outstanding job as host of Today Tonight. I want to thank him for his unstinting dedication to the cause and the passion that he puts into everything he does for Seven.”

Industry chatter has speculated that Seven may replace Today Tonight next year, recently advertising for reporters, producers and researchers around the country.

one guy resigns and all of the sudden 7 news is moving to an hour and TT to 7pm. TT is a highly profitable and high rating show 12 months a year there is little to no chance its going anywhere. Never read more crap in my life.